Rectal polyps in dogs: haematochezia and treatment
9-year-old Collie with fresh blood at the end of defecation and some tenesmus for 2 months. Faecal consistency is normal. Rectal palpation reveals a 1 cm pedunculated mass about 3 cm from the anus.
What is the most appropriate management?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. NSAID treatment and recheck in 6 months, as polyps are always benign
A proportion of canine rectal polyps are adenomas with foci of carcinoma in situ, or adenocarcinomas; without histopathology you cannot tell.
B. Rectal pull-through amputation as the first option
This is major surgery with a risk of incontinence and stricture; it is not indicated as a first step for a small pedunculated polyp.
C. Complete excision (by transanal eversion or endoscopically, with mucosal resection) and histopathology
Correct. Small accessible rectal polyps are removed transanally or endoscopically, and histology confirms the type and margins. Recheck with rectal palpation or colonoscopy: they can recur.
D. High-fibre diet, because the blood is due to hard faeces
Faecal consistency is normal and there is a palpable mass that explains the haematochezia; diet will not resolve it.
lightbulb Key takeaway
With haematochezia and normal faeces, tenesmus or ribbon-like faeces, always perform a rectal examination. The most common rectal masses are adenomatous polyps and adenocarcinomas; aggressive resection can leave a rectal stricture as a complication.
Test yourself with 10 random questions
Gastroenterology · 100 questions, a different test every time
Related questions
Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.